The EFL and Sky Sports have agreed a new five-year TV deal starting from 2019/20.

The new agreement, worth £600m, means Sky Sports will continue to exclusively broadcast the EFL, Carabao Cup, Checkatrade Trophy and the Play-Offs live until May 2024.

The new agreement will see 16 Championship games each season broadcast on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, with a maximum of 150 EFL games a season.

The biggest change is Sky will now broadcast on their interactive service - and online - any games which clubs choose to stream online themselves.

EFL clubs now have an opportunity to stream on their own iFollow or equivalent service any games not played on a Saturday and should they do so, Sky will also pick up that feed and broadcast the games on their interactive service, meaning there is a possibility on a midweek that all Championship games could be available to watch.

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There is a stumbling block to this for Hull City supporters if the club remain in the EFL next season. City withdrew from the EFL’s FLi agreement, which was in place last season for clubs to stream games overseas, with the club stating costs involved and the fact they put up full match replays for free 24 hours after a game as the reason.

It’s unknown at this stage if City will enter into the agreement again now the new deal and a chance to broadcast their own games domestically is an option. However, that remains unlikely.

It doesn't mean City fans won't be able to see their team on television midweek, providing their opposition are signed up to the service and choose to broadcast the game.

iFollow was launched earlier this year and gives supporters overseas the ability to watch their team on match days alongside providing thousands of fans based in the UK the opportunity to listen to audio commentary. This will now be adapted to incorporate domestic brodcasts.

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EFL Chief Executive Shaun Harvey said: “Sky Sports has for many years been a hugely important and valued partner of the EFL and we are delighted to extend our relationship by a further five years. I would like to thank all those who submitted bids and we now look forward to working with the Sky Sports team as they cement their position as the broadcast home of live EFL matches.

“These negotiations came at what was an incredibly challenging period in the sale and acquisition of sports rights in the UK and, having fully tested the market, we believe that not only has a significant increase in value for our Clubs been achieved, but also the very best deal, with the best partner has been delivered.

“In agreeing a deal over five seasons, it delivers a guaranteed increase in the level of income distributed to EFL Clubs from 2019/20 and long-term financial certainty was an absolute priority throughout this process. It is a partnership that as well as having mutual tangible benefits, allows the EFL to maximise reach and exposure for its competitions, alongside providing further opportunities for Clubs to generate additional incremental revenues through iFollow.

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“The new opportunity for EFL Clubs to live-stream their matches through a direct to consumer service in the UK is a revolutionary and exciting step forward for football broadcasting rights in the UK and we will monitor its progress closely to determine how this model can be considered for future EFL rights cycles.”

Barney Francis, Sky Sports Managing Director, commented: “This is great news for EFL fans and our viewers, with more live games than ever before and more opportunities for fans to watch their teams live. With a new dedicated football channel, newly enhanced digital platforms, adding more games means Sky Sports is getting even better for football fans.

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“Securing the EFL strengthens the Sky Sports service even further with the rights that matter most to our customers. This follows similar enhanced deals with Sky Sports becoming the exclusive home of F1 from 2019 for five years, and the only place to see England home cricket and the new domestic T20 competition live through to 2024.

“Viewing of live EFL games grew by 12% year-on-year last season, and is up a further 7% so far this season. Fans value our live EFL coverage and we are delighted to be able to offer even more in the coming years.”